Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus (Rhipsalis pilocarpa) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

About

More Info

Distribution

Care FAQ

More About How-Tos

Home > Plant Encyclopedia > Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring, Fall, Early winter

Leaf Color

Green

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Cactuses

Genus

Mistletoe cacti

Species

Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Distribution Map

Habitat

Forests

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Questions About Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus

Watering

Sunlight

Temperature

What is the best way to water my Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus?

It's important to know various ways to water the Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus. Some might ask whether they should do the watering from top to bottom, or is it the opposite? According to the experts, one of the best ways to water the cactus is to start from the bottom. This will ensure that there will be enough water to reach the root of the plants.

If you're starting from the top, there will not be enough saturation. The water will trickle and evaporate, and only a small amount will reach its roots.

What should I do if my Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus is underwatered?

Sometimes, you might notice that even if you water it frequently enough, it will start to dry out. When you see that the flowers are beginning to wilt and there's not enough water, the issue might be in the container where they are planted. Choose a bigger one if this is the case. Buy a pot that drains easily. You will need to mix it with the right potting soil and clean sand so it will absorb more water easier.

The soil that is too wet will not go well with the roots. Since this species is an epiphyte, it won't be able to handle soggy roots since it absorbs water and nutrients from the air. It's best to ensure that there's proper drainage to prevent fungal infections.

When you notice the cactus is limp, you can transfer or re-pot it into fresh earth. Gently remove the soil as much as possible and keep it evenly moist. Mist the cactus frequently whenever possible.

After the flowers have finished blooming, you might want to cut back on watering until you see new buds appearing. When the soil dries too much, the buds will begin to drop, so you might want to add some water but not too much.

Sometimes, underwatering, which is followed by overwatering that many owners do for compensation, is quite common. These cacti are considered to be succulents. The lack of water is not noticeable until everything is too late. They show that there are issues when they begin to droop and wither. The well-intentioned plant owner will give them massive amounts of water.

This is where the roots become desiccated. They become so dry that they can't take in any excess water. It will result in waterlogged plants, and the remaining roots may rot. If you notice some signs of wilting or underwatering, you can try to bring the species back to life with regular and frequent watering. However, make sure that it won't be a deluge, so you'll give the cactus a chance to regenerate and recover its roots.

How much water should I give my Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus?

The Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus must be properly watered to keep it healthy all year round. It should be potted in well-draining soil so it would produce beautiful blooms.

The amount of water that the Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus needs can vary. When you see that about 1/3 of the topsoil is dry, this is the best time to water them. They are thirstier than the other succulents, so watering should take place about 1x every week. Use your fingers to check if the soil is about two inches dry.

If you notice that the soil is very dry on the top layer, run the water until it goes through the drainage of the pots. There should be a tray underneath to catch the extra water. After about 10 to 15 minutes, discard everything, including the excess water. The soaking method should work well with the Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus but don't let it sit on the water-filled pot for a long time. When the species is in its flowering stage, it's highly recommended to water it sparingly.

Ideally, the best time to water them is when you notice that the leaves begin to droop. Make sure to fill the saucer of the pots with pebbles. Add water to the pebbles to add humidity to your Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus.

The best way to understand whether it's time to water the Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus is to check the soil. When it's too dry, simply add water and moisture. However, don't let the pot sit in the water, especially during the winter when the soil takes a long time to dry. This can cause root rot.

Know that these species can react to various seasonal changes. Watering it the correct way will mean that you should consider the climate. If you live in a dry and hot climate, the plants will need more watering, which is about twice per week.

If you live in a humid area, then watering only 1x a week can work well. You should water this less frequently in the fall and winter if you want the flowers to bloom. When the pots are exposed to too much sunlight, then the moisture will dry out faster. This is when the plant needs more watering. Watering should be less if it is in a cool or humid place.

What will happen if I overwater my Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus?

Sometimes, you might overwater your Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus, which makes it look limp or wilted. When you've neglected it for too long, give it a little drink. Continue to provide it with water in a sparing way until you see that there's slight moisture in the soil.

Overwatering can cause the development of a fungal infection called white rot. The leaves tend to droop, which might result in wilting. Like any other species, the cactus can't stand overwatering or underwatering. They don't tolerate dry soil since the flowers will start dropping at the same time, and this is something that you don't want to happen.

Should I adjust the frequency of watering my Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus according to different seasons?

The cold months and the hot months are not the same. The temperatures tend to drop during the winter and fall, and the soil will take longer to dry. This is when you don't need to water the succulents often. These two seasons are also the best time for the Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus to show its beautiful blooms. Water sparingly to maintain the health of the plant.

During the months of October, stop watering when there's too much water in the soil. Resume the care in November but keep the moisture light when the temperatures are still cool. When the blooms start to appear, stop watering for about a few weeks so the plants can rest from too much moisture. These are very delicate, so when you see new growth, you can resume the watering once a week if you need to.

Should I water my Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus differently when I plant it indoors vs outdoors?

Your plant's location is something you need to consider when it comes to its watering needs. When the plant grows near the window or outdoors, the air might be too dry, and the temperatures are too high. This is where you should water the plant for about 2x a week.

When it's growing indoors in a humid and cool environment, it will definitely need less watering. Indirect sunlight will also have an impact since the soil does not tend to dry out faster. This is where the succulent will just be fine with once-a-week watering. However, you still need to check the soil with a moisture meter to know what it needs.

What is the optimal temperature for Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus?

For this tropical plant to thrive, you’ll want to keep them between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃). Each species can handle temperatures outside of this range, but keeping it within several degrees of these limits will ensure they grow to their maximum potential.

As for its extreme temperature limits, any environment below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) will begin to hinder its growth and cause various aberrations to its leaves and stems. This is especially true with low temperatures; even a light frost can cause your tropical plants to perish. Cellular death can begin to happen at a rapid pace, with some species dying in as little as 12 to 24 hours.

Does Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus require different temperatures for different growing phases?

While Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus doesn’t require any changes in temperature to enter different growing phases, it is important to stay consistent. Wild temperature fluctuations can slow down its growth regardless of its current phase, so it's always better to keep them in a controlled environment. That optimal temperature range of 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃) is vital to maintain, especially staying above the lower limit. Going above 90℉(32℃) isn’t ideal, but as tropical plant it won’t suffer too much. On the other hand, going below 50℉ (10℃) (and especially 40℉/5℃) will begin to directly damage this heat-loving plant species.

Does Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus need different temperatures for different seasons?

Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus does not need different temperatures for different growing seasons. The most important step in seasonal care is to keep the environment within the optimal temperature range. That's why it's always best to keep this plant indoors. That way, you can control the temperature no matter what the climate is like outside.

Light is also important for tropical species, with all of these plants preferring a partial side level of sun exposure. This means any light they receive needs to be dappled or filtered, with bright but indirect light being the best option when growing your plants indoors. Too much direct sunlight can negatively affect your plant’s leaves, reducing its growth potential.

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus healthy?

Tip #1: Don’t Leave Your Plant Near Windows in Colder Months

If you want to make sure your plant isn’t exposed to colder temperatures, you may want to keep them away from windows. In colder months like late fall and winter, even the smallest draft can leak cold air into your home through cracks in your windows. While this air usually dissipates and warms up as it travels throughout your home, any plants placed in close proximity to the window will be affected. Move your tropical plants into an area where they will still get bright but indirect light, while making sure they won’t be affected by potential drafts.

Tip #2: If You Find Dry Patches, Your Plant May Be Getting Too Much Sunlight or Heat

You may notice the leaves become white or even scorched on a sunny day. These discolorations and unusual markings usually indicate that a plant is getting too much heat or sunlight, and it may be dehydrated. Excess light and heat will dry out the soil, stopping plants from getting the moisture they need to support their cellular structure. It also slows down or stops the process of photosynthesis, further hindering growth. If ignored for too long, these dry spots can spread and eventually result in the death of your plants.

Tip #3: Avoid Frost at All Costs

Colder temperatures and frost can damage your plants by causing ice crystals or disrupt normal physiological activity. This makes it nearly impossible for water to move freely throughout plant tissue, creating a deficit of moisture in their stems and leaves. You can tell a plant has been damaged by frost if it begins to suffer from hydrosis (it will appear as though it's soaked with water.) If the problem persists, your plants may begin shriveling and turning a dark brown or black hue. After that, the plant will almost certainly die.

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus?

The best way to maintain the right temperature range for Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus is by keeping an eye on both the climate and humidity. You’ll want to try to keep each species in a room where you have access to climate control, keeping the heat in the temperature range best mimics its natural habitat. The humidity levels will also have a direct effect on temperature, so it's important to monitor these as well. You can artificially raise the humidity of your growing space by using a humidifier or lightly misting the leaves with water.

If you intend to grow this species outside, you may find it difficult to maintain the right balance of temperature and humidity. If temperatures begin to drop or the air becomes too dry, your best option is to find room within your home and move your plant inside. An indoor growing space will allow you to control the climate more closely, helping your plant reach its full potential.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

More About How-Tos

Water

Every 2 weeks

Originating from rainforests, Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus prefers high humidity. It grows on other trees, and its primary way of getting moisture is through the rain and air. However, it doesn’t tolerate drought, and it should be watered immediately once you notice that the soil is very dry.Always use a well-draining mix to avoid root rot.

Learn More

Lighting

Full sun

Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus originates from bright, tropical environments where it thrives in direct sunlight. Its preferred light condition is full sun, but it can also tolerate partial sun, adapting well to slightly shaded areas.

Learn More

Temperature

10 to 35 ℃

Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus originates from tropical regions, where the climate is typically warm and humid. As a result, it is well-adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It doesn't appreciate sudden temperature changes and prefers a stable temperature environment, so it's important to avoid temperature fluctuations indoors. It usually doesn't tolerate cold temperatures and requires higher temperatures for growth. If the environmental temperature drops too low, the plant may cease growth or even die.

Learn More

Useful Tips

Most Common Herb

Plant Collection Most Common Herb Fragrant plantain lily See More The trademark feature of Asia-native plantain lilies is the numerous glossy oval leaves with deep parallel veins. The Fragrant plantain lily is additionally decorated with strongly fragrant, trumpet-shaped, large white flowers, which are unique in the genus. Hosta plantaginea is one of the favorite cultivatedContinue reading “Most Common Herb”

Useful Tips

Best Perennial Plant to Grow

Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow Orange daylily See More The Orange daylily is a perennial plant known for its captivating lily-like blooms. Its natural habitats are meadows and forests, but it is also a common garden plant in temperate regions around the world. Each individual flower lasts only a day, but the plantContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

Useful Tips

Best Perennial Plant to Grow

Plant Collection Best Perennial Plant to Grow China rose See More The China rose (Rosa chinensis) is a Southwest China native. The plant has been cultivated for so long that it has become hard to tell the difference between wild and cultivated varieties. With medium-sized clusters of flowers and a long blooming season, it isContinue reading “Best Perennial Plant to Grow”

Useful Tips

Most Common Herb

Plant Collection Most Common Herb Golden pothos See More The Golden pothos is a popular flowering house plant that’s commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including “devil’s ivy,” because it is so hard to kill, and can grow in the dark. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, soContinue reading “Most Common Herb”

View More Articles

Add to My Garden

Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus

Rhipsalis pilocarpa

Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus (Rhipsalis pilocarpa) is a Brazilian cactus that grows on the surface of other plants in the wild and is valued as an ornamental plant. Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus is often grown in hanging baskets in cultivation and grows best in acidic soil.

Water

Every 2 weeks

Sunlight

Full sun

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring, Fall, Early winter

Leaf Color

Green

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Cactuses

Genus

Mistletoe cacti

Species

Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Download the App

Distribution Map

Habitat

Forests

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Questions About Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus

Watering

Sunlight

Temperature

What is the best way to water my Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus?

What should I do if my Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus is underwatered?

How much water should I give my Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus?

The Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus must be properly watered to keep it healthy all year round. It should be potted in well-draining soil so it would produce beautiful blooms.

What will happen if I overwater my Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus?

Should I adjust the frequency of watering my Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus according to different seasons?

Should I water my Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus differently when I plant it indoors vs outdoors?

How many hours of sunlight does Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus need to grow?

What will happen if Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus doesn’t get enough sunlight?

What will happen if Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus gets too much sunlight?

What is the optimal temperature for Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus?

Does Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus require different temperatures for different growing phases?

Does Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus need different temperatures for different seasons?

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus healthy?

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus?

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App

More About How-Tos

Best Perennial Plant to Grow

# Useful Tips

Best Perennial Plant to Grow

# Useful Tips

Most Common Herb

# Useful Tips

Discover more articles?

Indoor

Requirements

Full sun

Ideal

Above 6 hours sunlight

Partial sun

Tolerance

About 3-6 hours sunlight

Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.

Essentials

Preferred

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Download the App

Artificial lighting

Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.

Important Symptoms

Insufficient light

Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus thrives in full sunlight but is often cultivated indoors during winter due to sensitivity to cold. This increases the chance of being placed in rooms with inadequate lighting, leading to noticeable symptoms of light deficiency.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Small leaves

New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.

Leggy or sparse growth

The spaces between leaves or stems of your Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.

Faster leaf drop

When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.

Slower or no new growth

Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.

Lighter-colored new leaves

Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.

Solutions

1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.

Excessive light

Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate intense sunlight. With their remarkable resilience, symptoms of sunburn may not be easily visible, as they rarely suffer from it.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Chlorosis

Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.

Sunscald

Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.

Leaf Curling

Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.

Wilting

Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.

Leaf Scorching

Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.

Solutions

1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.

Discover information about plant diseases, toxicity, weed control and more.

Indoor

Requirements

Ideal

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.

Essentials

Regional wintering strategies

Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus is extremely heat-loving, and any cold temperatures can cause harm to it. In the autumn, it is recommended to bring outdoor-grown Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus indoors and place it near a bright window, but it should be kept at a certain distance from heaters. Maintaining temperatures above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min} during winter is beneficial for plant growth. Any temperatures approaching {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min} are detrimental to the plant.

Important Symptoms

Low Temperature

Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus prefers warm temperatures and is not tolerant of low temperatures. It thrives best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, the leaves may lighten in color. After frost damage, the color gradually turns brown or black, and symptoms such as wilting and drooping may occur.

Solutions

Trim off the frost-damaged parts. Immediately move indoors to a warm environment for cold protection. Choose a spot near a south-facing window to place the plant, ensuring ample sunlight. Additionally, avoid placing the plant near heaters or air conditioning vents to prevent excessive dryness in the air.

High Temperature

During summer, Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the color of the leaves becomes lighter, and the plant becomes more susceptible to sunburn.

Solutions

Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.

Discover information about plant diseases, toxicity, weed control and more.

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_ga	Google Analytics	These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here.	1 Year
_pta	PictureThis Analytics	We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience.	1 Year

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_fbp	Facebook Pixel	A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here.	1 Year
_adj	Adjust	This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here.	1 Year

More Info

Scientific Classification

Distribution Map

Habitat

Questions About Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus

More Questions People Also Ask

More About How-Tos

Related Articles

More Info

Scientific Classification

Distribution Map

Habitat

Map

Questions About Hairy-fruited wickerware cactus

More Questions People Also Ask

More About How-Tos

Related Articles